Yes, I would let my children go to a KPop Demon Hunters party - but I’d ask a couple of questions first

The KPop Demon Hunters movie has had over 537million views worldwide making it Netflix’s most watched English-language movie of all time. The fascination with the movie is particularly high with many children, shown with the release of everything from fancy dress outfits, toys, t-shirts, merchandise and even K-Pop Demon Hunter themed parties and events.

I wonder, would you let your child go to a demon hunter party?! Out of context, it sounds like something from the occult that might include Ouija boards and the like.

we need to be able to distinguish personal conviction from universal command and avoiding getting into legalism

K-Pop music is on the rise with global influence of groups like BTS and BLACKPINK. The role of fantasy and storytelling is a big part of K-Pop visuals used too. When it comes to fantasy where should Christians draw their lines? How do we stand between fictional storytelling and spiritual practices?

Mark 16:17-18 says “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on people who are ill and they will get well.” So, if we’re meant to be getting rid of demons, is it wrong to be entertaining something that makes light of them? Or are we getting caught up in fearing something which Jesus is teaching us we have power over?

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In reality, this isn’t a new debate. It happened when Harry Potter came out and grew in popularity. I had a conversation recently with my friend Tim from uni. He was sharing how he remembered a bus ride back from our theology lecture where he was blown away by my perspective of Harry Potter. I hadn’t read it and didn’t want to. Given the research into real spells used in the book, it didn’t seem right to me then to be entertaining such thoughts. I considered verses like 1 Timothy 4:1 warning of deceiving spirits and things taught by demons or how in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 it teaches for example not to engage in witchcraft or cast spells as they’re detestable practices to God. Are we in this place again with K-Pop Demon Hunters?

What do we need to consider?

First, we need to discern how we feel about something, looking into the facts of what the ‘something’ might be. We then need to align this with what we think the Bible teaches on that topic, praying that God will give us wisdom. We need to pause and reflect on whether we are acting on impulse, unnecessary fear or false perspectives. The truth is we don’t need to fear darkness when we follow Jesus. We shouldn’t seek to desensitise things that God calls us to actively avoid either.

As we journey through this process, we need to remember that others - who are also Christians - might come to different conclusions to us. So then, we need to be able to distinguish personal conviction from universal command and avoiding getting into legalism. When it comes to things that are spiritual principles, we’ve got to hold the tension between what is a fantasy theme and what is an occult practice.

So, when it comes to parties or events, here are some tips for Christian parents…

1. Research the specific party theme and activities

Most K-Pop Demon Hunter parties are focused around the music and character decorations, not on demon hunting! But if you’re worried about something your child is going to then it’s good to ask questions rather than assume you know. It’s also worth bearing in mind that as children get older, the content will change and as parents we need to be ready for that.

2. Talk to your child about what the theme means

Open conversations about topics help your child to learn to weigh things up for themselves. Teaching them why you ask questions also helps them to know it’s ok for them to question too.

As my faith has grown and changed over the years, I’m more convinced that I don’t need to live in fear of something that is fantasy

3. Set boundaries

This might include looking into what’s appropriate with costumes, music and activities they engage with. Explaining boundaries helps children to understand the ‘why’ for decisions you make. They might not always like them, but it can equip them to set their own boundaries and give them confidence to say no.

4. Pray and seek wisdom

James 1:5 reminds us that “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Prayer is key and wisdom is available!

I want to teach my children the reality of a spiritual battle and for them to know that God is more powerful than any of that

5. Consider your child

What some children are comfortable with, others find overwhelming or scary. Everyone’s preferences are different. It’s ok to make a decision for your child that might be different to others. You know them best.

As you go through the above tips here are some questions to consider:

• Am I making something into a bigger thing than it needs to be? Or am I being convicted because something needs more careful attention?
• Does this party/event glorify evil, or portray defeating it? Or is it not even connected to these things?
• If something should happen at this party that isn’t as harmless as I might hope, is my child able to engage critically? What might I need to talk through with my child before they go?
• Am I responding out of fear or informed discernment?
• What message am I sending about engaging with culture?
• Am I acting in love?

My perspective on things has shifted over the years. I still haven’t read or watched Harry Potter stories (yet!) more because I’ve got no interest in that kind of fantasy, rather than still viewing them as inherently evil. As my faith has grown and changed over the years, I’m more convinced that I don’t need to live in fear of something that is fantasy. I’d still flee from evil obviously, but Romans 8:37-39 helps me to remember that I am more than a conqueror through Christ and nothing can separate me from His love. I don’t need to fear a story but build my life on the truth of God’s word – and I need to help my children to do that too.

Read more:

I’m a Christian parent who reads fairytales to my children - this is why

Christian parents can use KPop Demon Hunters to explore the gospel

My children are 5 and 7. We’ve watched K-Pop Demon Hunters, and one was more positive than the other who didn’t ever want to watch it again. Some may question if it’s right to watch something with demons in the title with children. But I read the Bible with my kids every day, and there’s many mentions of demons or evil spirits. I want to teach my children the reality of a spiritual battle and for them to know that God is more powerful than any of that. I want them to have a resilience of faith to know they can call on the name of Jesus in any storms of life they face.

Despite not being major enthusiasts of the movie itself, both of my children are big fans of the K-Pop soundtrack, the characters and the general vibe of the movie. They like the empowerment side, the victory of good over evil and the music having power. As I reflect on this, it made me think of Saul; he was tormented by evil spirits that were silenced by worship music. There’s biblical parallels throughout if you look for them!

Would I let my children go to a K-Pop Demon Hunter party? Before writing this article, I would have said a simple yes, now I might do a check for the content first and not assume! What about you?